Starting Point
Ja Nan is working with an undisclosed CSO in Myanmar. Her father was a peacemaker and a Christian pastor who had a good relationship with the village members. Since she was young, she has heard many stories from villagers about the unjust torture of women. These stories make her believe that women must protect themselves.
Her role models are Mother Teresa and Margaret Thatcher. She admires Margaret Thatcher especially for the “iron spirit” that Thatcher has. She said that she can also learn from Julie Bishop for her inspiring performance.
Peace Journey
In the past, she mediated dialogue between both parties and provided pathways for discussions during tripartite meetings. She recalled her first experience as a mediator between the EAO and the government. It was not appreciated until the second meeting, which encouraged her to proceed as a mediator. She said she would like to retire. But when it comes to fulfilling the needs of the people, she may not be able to resist continuing. The people at the bottom of society will suffer most. As such, people’s needs should not be neglected, hence prompting her to resume her role and work.
In Track 1, women's participation is very limited. Although she is a woman, her involvement is not solely based on her gender; she has had the opportunity to participate because of her expertise and capabilities.
Success Stories
With regard to “success,” she said that Myanmar’s Peace Process is too official. It was signed during the State Law and Order Restoration Council’s (SLORC) time, but was not as strong as the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) now, which also needs further details. But in terms of “process,” she believes it is successful.
The “lesson” she has learned is to “grab the opportunity at the right time” in the peace process. She learned this when people’s participation, which never existed in the peace process until the time of U Thein Sein’s regime, enabled her to win trust in playing the mediator role.
As for women, the physical needs are different, and the need to protect women in IDP camps is greater than that of men. In a family, women's responsibility is crucial and protecting women is a sector that needs to be dealt with more seriously. Protecting women and children is a topic that needs to be discussed. There are also social groups which are working to protect women.
More women need empowerment, opportunities, and exposure to be involved in peacemaking, building, and keeping, as they do not even know how to take the chance when it comes. As a woman, the opportunity to contribute came if she could perform her duties. However, due to the nature of the armed conflict, the involvement of women in decision-making processes is still minimal. One contributing challenge is their age-old culture, which does not want women to be in the lead. Some may refuse to accept. For example, when one lady brought the subject up, she received a stiff reprimand not to repeat it from the officer present.
Although it was not difficult to explain to the EAOs (Ethnic Armed Organisations) to include women up to 30%, or even more, in the planning and decision level of the peace process, it was not that easy when having to explain to the government side. She had to reiterate. In her opinion, a woman should be at the decision-making level, according to the UN 1325 Resolution. There are not many women in her place. For example, just one or two from the EAOs and one from the government side, in other words, just three women but 48 men in total. Another thing is that not only quantity but also quality should be a prerequisite at the decision-making level. In addition, for the Peace Process to be more effective, more women should also be in the Research and Technical Teams, as they can shape and devise strategies.